Trades & Services Jobs
About the Trades & Services Industry in New Zealand
Recruitment Agencies we recommend
Tradestaff
Tradestaff is New Zealand's leading supplier of temporary and permanent workers to the trade sector. With 12 locations throughout the country Tradestaff has a broad range of work available now – from unskilled to highly specialised.
Globally, skilled trades are the highest in demand. The bottom line is that New Zealand needs skilled tradespeople to contribute to its development, and last year the Trades and Services industry was booming. It was among the fastest-growing industries on SEEK with a 16.9% increase in job opportunities. The industry recorded more than 3,400 new roles year-on-year and the average advertised salary was $59,646.
Growth in this industry was driven primarily by the housing market in Auckland, with the city accounting for 9.4% of the total growth in job opportunities year-on-year.
Roles advertised in Automotive Trades made up the biggest contribution to the overall growth in Trades & Services, with 3.7% growth in job opportunities year-on-year. This was followed by Labourers (2.5%) and roles in the Building Trades (2.3%).
Demand for Trades and Services in New Zealand
New Zealand suffers from a significant skills shortfall in the Trades & Services industry and there is subsequently a strong demand for talented individuals across a number of roles. The current shortage amounts to around 60,000 workers in building and construction alone.
The growth in job opportunities across Building Trades (2.3%) and Labouring (2.5%) was driven by the housing boom. New Zealand needs to continue to build more than 30,000 new homes each year if we are to keep up with rising demand. Half of the jobs shortfall is estimated to be for trades qualified workers. That translates into great opportunities for those considering construction as a career.
In addition, the building and construction industry is becoming increasingly specialised, meaning that there are qualifications available for specialized trades, and plenty of scope for employment in these areas.
The sector can be broken down into the following categories:
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Automotive trades
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Labourers
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Building trades
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Technicians
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Welders & Boilermakers
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Carpentry & Cabinet Making
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Cleaning Services
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Fitters, Turners & Machinists
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Gardening & Landscaping
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Hair & Beauty Services
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Nannies & Babysitters
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Locksmiths
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Bakers & Pastry Chefs
For Visa Applicants: Roles on the Skills Shortages List
If you are offered a job which appears on the list below, and you have the qualifications and experience to match, getting a work visa will be easier. This is because the government has identified that employers need to recruit people from overseas to help meet demand for your skills.
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Automotive Electrician
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Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
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Electrician (General)
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Electric Line Mechanic
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Baker
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Bricklayer
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Carpenter
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Carpenter and Joiner
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Composite Technician
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Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
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Fibrous Plasterer
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Floor Finisher
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Glazier
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Joiner
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Metal Casting Trades Worker (Foundry Moulder)
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Metal Fabricator
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Metal Machinist (First Class) (CNC Machinist)
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Motor Mechanic (General)
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Motor Mechanic (General) (Automotive Air Conditioning Technician)
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Panel Beater
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Plastics Technician
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Plastics Engineer
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Roof Tiler
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Roof Plumber
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Scaffolder
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Sheetmetal Trades Worker
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Solid Plasterer
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Stonemason
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Vehicle Painter
Featured Jobs
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Qualified Joiner
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
Our client is looking for a qualified & experienced Timber Joiner to assist in their busy, Manukau based workshop specialising in Timber Joinery.
Wiri based
Monday - Friday
Rate negotiable on experience (between $27-30ph)
The Successful Applicant will:
Be trade qualified in Joinery
Have at least 1 years experience
Have strong attention to detail
Be able to work effectively in a team
Have 2x contactable work references
If you meet the above requirements please apply with your current CV
Interior Plasterers Wanted in Canterbury
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Urgently seeking experienced plasterers for commercial and residential work around Christchurch.
You will need to have the following:
- Experience in plastering - Industrial is preferred
- Your own tools
- Your own reliable transport
- Ideally hold a current Site Safe or be willing to get one
- Be a hard worker
- A reference we can contact
If this sounds like you, please apply online.
Apply Now
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Carpenter
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
What We Offer:
Temporary work assignments (varied durations)
Weekly pay + 8% holiday pay
Competitive rates based on experience
PPE provided
Supportive team and organised scheduling
What You'll Need:
Proven carpentry experience (qualified or experienced)
Own basic tools and reliable transport (Class 1 Drivers License)
Good attitude and reliability
Ability to hit the ground running on site
Right to Work in NZ:
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand (NZ Citizen, Per
Civil Operators wanted
City:
Bay of Plenty
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
We're on the lookout for skilled and reliable Civil Operators to join our growing workforce in Tauranga. If you're confident on machinery, enjoy hands-on work, and want consistent, ongoing opportunities, we want to hear from you.
About the Role:
You'll be working across a range of civil projects throughout the Bay of Plenty. Roles vary depending on experience and may include:
Excavator operation
Loader operation
Roller and compactor work
Drainage support
General civil labouring as require